IPL 2022: Leg spinner Rashid Khan has had great success in the Indian Premier League since his debut in 2017, but after taking on the role of vice-captain with new franchise Gujarat Titans, the Afghan star is aiming for more big price.
Rashid hasn’t won the Purple Cap in the IPL so far. (Photo: AFP)
STRONG POINTS
- Rashid Khan begins new term as vice-captain of Gujarat Titans
- The Afghan leg spinner has 93 wickets in 76 matches in the IPL
- Rashid hasn’t won the Purple Cap in the IPL so far
Rashid Khan has been one of the most successful bowlers in the Indian Premier League since the Afghan spinners debuted in the T20 league in 2017. However, the leg spinner is yet to win the Purple Cap for most wickets in a season.
Having taken on the responsibility of vice-captain of the new Gujrat Titans franchise, Rashid Khan wants to end the dearth for the honor of bowling. Rashid, who had played for SunRisers Hyderabad from 2017 to 2021, established himself as one of the most successful players in the IPL as his shares in world cricket grew at an unprecedented rate.
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It was no surprise when the Gujarat Titans paid him Rs 15 crore, the same amount they paid to sign captain Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, there will be a challenge of size for Rashid if he is looking to settle into a new franchise.
“It’s always good to have that cap but more than that I’ll try to contribute whatever the team needs from me and if it’s point balls I’ll do it – that’s something I’ll have more in mind. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that cap. In my second game of freshman 2017 I had that cap and since then I’ve never had that cap but it will definitely be a great feeling to have it,” Rashid Khan told IPL ahead of Gujarat’s opener.
‘GOOD TO BE BACK’
Rashid has picked up 93 wickets in 76 matches in the IPL so far at a staggering save rate of 6.33 but, batters in the recent past have tried to play him rather than take risks and offer him their wickets. Despite the batters’ cautious approach, Rashid picked up 18 wickets for SRH who had a horror season last year, finishing with a wooden spoon.
Speaking about the challenge of playing for a new franchise, Rashid added, “New start, new challenges and new team, something that always excites me and I can’t wait to be there. So happy to be back in India and part of the crowd is also here.
Gujarat Titans won the coin toss and opted to face Lucknow Super Giants in their opening match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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